Ciara Smith

National Field Sales Manager | Paints & Woodcare Retail | Driving Team Performance, Execution & Growth

New Zealand

About

With over 17 years of experience in the retail and trade paint industry, I’ve built a career around leading high‑performing teams, elevating customer experience, and driving consistent sales growth across national retail networks. As a National Sales Field Manager, I specialise in people leadership, coaching, and execution excellence — ensuring teams deliver on strategy, meet performance targets, and represent the brand with pride. I’m known for building strong relationships with retail partners, improving store capability, and lifting category performance in paints and woodcare. My leadership style is hands‑on, supportive, and results‑driven. I thrive in environments where I can empower people, streamline execution, and turn strategy into action at store level. I’m passionate about developing talent, strengthening retail partnerships, and delivering commercial outcomes that make a measurable impact. Always open to connecting with industry professionals, leaders, and opportunities that align with sales leadership, retail operations, and national field management.

Experience

  • DuluxGroup (Hybrid)
    • National Field Sales Manager - Paint & Woodcare Retail
      Mar 2025 - Present · 1 yr 4 mos

      As National Field Manager, I lead a team of nine high‑performing field professionals, driving execution excellence, capability development, and a culture of accountability and growth. My focus is on coaching and mentoring to elevate performance, strengthen sales fundamentals, and empower the team to deliver consistently strong results. I own the national field strategy, shaping executing plans that accelerate sales growth, improve customer engagement, and enhance in‑store execution. Through data‑driven insights, clear prioritisation, and strong collaboration across commercial and marketing teams, I ensure our field operations deliver maximum impact. My role blends people leadership, commercial acumen, and strategic thinking — all aimed at building a motivated team, strengthening customer partnerships, and delivering outstanding results in a fast‑moving retail environment.

    • National Account Manager - Paint Specialists
      Nov 2023 - Mar 2025 · 1 yr 5 mos

      In this role, I was responsible for leading the commercial performance of a key retail partner managing the full P&L and delivering sustainable, profitable growth. I oversaw a high‑performing team providing clear direction, coaching, and development to ensure strong execution across all retail initiatives. I built and executed the growth strategy for the partnership, driving category expansion, promotional effectiveness, and long‑term value creation. Through close collaboration with cross‑functional teams and the retailer, I strengthened joint business planning, improved operational performance, and unlocked new commercial opportunities. This role combined strategic leadership, commercial acumen, and relationship management to elevate the partnership and deliver measurable business results.

    • National Account Manager - Independents
      Aug 2023 - Nov 2023 · 4 mos

      In this role, I managed a diverse portfolio of independent retail partners across the country, building strong commercial relationships and driving sustainable sales growth. I developed and executed tailored growth strategies for each account, ensuring alignment with business priorities while supporting the unique needs of independent retailers. I worked closely with owners and decision‑makers to strengthen category performance, optimise ranging, and improve in‑store execution. Through data‑driven insights, strategic planning, and consistent engagement, I identified new opportunities, expanded distribution, and enhanced the overall value of the independent channel. This role required a blend of commercial acumen, strategic thinking, and hands‑on relationship management — all focused on elevating the independent retail network and delivering strong business results.

  • Resene (Full-time · 7 yrs 8 mos)
    • Shop Manager
      Apr 2011 - Aug 2014 · 3 yrs 5 mos

    • Assistant Manager
      Jan 2009 - Nov 2011 · 2 yrs 11 mos

    • Salesperson
      Jan 2007 - Jan 2009 · 2 yrs 1 mo